Translator: Henyee Translations Editor: Henyee Translations
Officer Qiao felt relieved and his happiness grew even more.
Meanwhile, in the backyard, Madame Qiao received Qiao Xuan along with Qiao Wei, Concubine Du, and Qiao Kou.
There was a subtle tension in the air.
In the past, Concubine Du had constantly mocked Qiao Xuan and looked down on her with disdain.
But now, the time was different.
It was Qiao Wei who seemed the most annoyed, sitting stiffly in her chair with a neutral expression.
Qiao Kou sat with her eyes lowered, lost in thought.
Even Auntie Ling and the other servants were treating Qiao Xuan with more respect and kindness than before.
Qiao Xuan couldn't help but think that power and status were truly practical. Her husband had only become a Recommended Man, yet the Qiao family and the people in the village were treating her differently. Even those who they often socialized with were now more polite and cautious around her.
Even the once-arrogant members of the second and third sections of the family retreated slightly when they heard about Shao Yunduan's potential future as an officer.
It was no wonder that throughout history people had pursued power, and yet many lost themselves after obtaining it, falling deeper into the abyss.
Shao Yunduan remained calm and clear-minded, his gaze gentle and smiling as he looked at Qiao Xuan. But she couldn't help but feel a bit confused about how long this gentleness would last.
She felt that she should trust him. But she felt that she should always keep a clear-mind as well.
Madame Qiao said warm congratulations to her, emphazing the importance of family and encouraged Qiao Xuan to visit often, especially since her husband was now part of the government and would be mingling with different people, like ladies and important madames. She reassured Qiao Xuan that she could always come to her for advice if she needed it. "We are a family, and we should share the honor and humiliation together and look into the future," Madame Qiao added.
Qiao Xuan replied politely and briefly, "Thank you."
She made a mental note to distance herself from the family as soon as she could. She was going to find the opportunity to break up with them instead.
Concubine Du spoke, showing a false smile. "Second Miss, you are very lucky, you have married a Recommended Man! You should thank Madame Qiao for setting you up with such a great husband. You should definitely thank her and respect her."
Qiao Xuan smiled. "You are right, Concubine Du. Don't feel jealous of me.
Madame Qiao is always kind, and treats us equally. I am sure she will find a great marriage alliance for the Third Sister."
Concubine Du, who had intended to just pretend, became annoyed hearing
Qiao Xuan's words. "You talk too much, Second Miss."
Qiao Kou sneered. "It's none of your business, Concubine Du!"
Qiao Xuan maintained her innocence. "l am just speaking the truth. Is there something wrong with that? I can stop if it bothers you."
Madame Qiao shot Concubine Du a disapproving look, silently cursing her behavior.
After laughing at Qiao Xuan. Concubine Du found herself on the receiving end of her own words.
Qiao Wei, unable to hold her tongue any longer, spoke up. "Concubine Du is right, you are quite talkative. Perhaps you've become arrogant? After all, your husband is just a Recommended Man, far removed from the true halls of power. Even if he does manage to advance, he'll likely be left to drift alone without anyone to help him. In a few years, no one will remember who he is.."